Recovery Update

Today marks the 3 week "anniversary" of my surgery. I have been on my own for a week, and I am feeling great! I am still having some problems with the infection in my neck (I started a second dose of antibiotics on Wednesday), but my incisions are healing great. I have one area that didn't close up after the surgery, but it is not much to worry about. I have been working most of the last week, and although I am a bit tired, I really feel wonderful! I felt so good that I decided to do a little bit of shopping this week. It was so much fun! I tried on a few bra's and I think the doctor successfully got me down to a "C" cup! I just can't believe it. I only bought one new item of clothing, but it was another milestone in this process.

Before the surgery, I could only dream of wearing anything like this! It was very emotional to finally fit into this style of clothing. I can't wait to shop some more!

Now, I am looking forward to going to the gym and getting healthy again! I can't wait to get back into shape and run for the first time in a while! I am leaving in about 3 weeks to go to Disney World with Kevin and I can't wait to show off my new body!

Whirlwind of a week

Overall, the week has been great. My recovery has been much easier than I anticipated, with one small set back. On Sunday night I woke up with a horrible pain in the right side of my neck. I brushed it off as nothing, took another percoset and fell back asleep. On Monday night the pain returned. This time it was even more obnoxious and I had a really hard time getting back into a comfortable spot. My post-op appointment with the Doctor was on Tuesday, so I talked to her about it then. She asked if I was sleeping funny, to which I replied "yes," and she said that was most likely the problem. So again we brushed it off as nothing really and went on our way. The Doctor said I could sleep however I was most comfortable, so on Tuesday night I slept flat on my back and didn't have too many problems. Wednesday and Thursday nights the pain returned again with the onset of some tingling and numbness. I knew this was not right, so I called the Doctor again. I explained my symptoms and she basically said I threw her for a loop, she has never had a patient with the same complaints as I, and she couldn't think of an explanation. She recommended going to an Emergicare facility to get a second opinion. So Kevin and I went on our way. Long story short - the Doctor felt around, took some x-rays, and determined that I had an infection in my Lymp Node. He sent me home with 4 new medications - antibiotic, muscle relaxer, anti inflammatory, and cream - plus two injections of antibiotics at the office.

I feel like a walking pharmacy!

I am so happy to know that something is actually wrong and can be easily treated. I was so worried that the doctors were not going to be able to find anything and I was just going to have to deal with the pain and wait it out. This minor complication has set me back a few days, but as far as the surgery goes I feel great! The most pain I have experienced all week has been from the infection in my neck. I never really felt much pain directly related to the surgery itself. This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life and I look forward to seeing the final results (and shopping for new clothes)!

All of the beautiful flowers I received this week! Thanks to everyone who visited this week! I truly appreciate your friendships!

Happy Anniversary!

On Wednesday night, May 13, Kevin and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary! He took me to dinner at Paravicini's in Old Colorado City. It was such a nice change of scenery to get out of the house for a while. We had such a great time, although I was slightly out of it with all the meds.

I can't believe we have been together for 5 years already! He has been such a big help this past week and I really can't imagine my life without him in it! He is amazing!

Before dinner

Being sappy. Look how small my boobs are!!

Day after Surgery

I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am on Friday morning. The IV was in place, the doctor came in, followed shortly by the anesthesiologist and I was prepped and ready to go by 7:30 (right on time). They rolled me into the operating room and away we went. The surgery lasted about 3 hours and everything went smoothly. The doctor removed a total of 3.9 lbs - 850 cc's from my left side and 900 cc's from my right. This was more than double what she predicted she would take, so needless to say I was more than happy! I was in recovery for a total of 5 hours, and then was released home! The anesthesia slowly wore off and pain began, but I feel 100% better than I could have ever expected. I felt immediate results in my breathing and back pain and can't wait to see the final results. Here are a few photos from the day!

Before surgery

After surgery

Before...

After!

Surgery

The prescription is filled.
The last supper has been eaten.
The last shower has been taken.
The markings have been made.
I am ready for my big day!

Surgery is in 9.5 hours. There has been so much preparation for this, and now it is out of my hands. I have done all I can do to prepare, and now I just have to wait. I am still so excited to have the surgery, but my nerves have finally set in. In less than 12 hours I will have a new body. Lets hope the night flys by!